Modified release doxycycline composition

ABSTRACT

Doxycycline formulations with a reduced food effect are disclosed. Particularly disclosed are modified release formulations which can be administered once a day and exhibit a reduced food effect. Methods of treating inflammatory conductions such as rosacea or inflammatory symptoms such as the papules and pustules of rosacea or acne vulgaris are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/875,369, filed Jan. 19, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/359,292, filed Nov. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,588, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/946,715, filed Nov. 19, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,532,996, which claims the benefit of the filing date of Indian Patent Application No. IN 5805/CHE/2014, filed Nov. 19, 2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application relates to a modified release composition of doxycycline.

BACKGROUND

Doxycycline is a broad spectrum bacteriostatic compound that is effective against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as spirochetes, mycoplasmas, rickettsiae, chlamydiae and some protozoans. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria or protozoans. It is commonly used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by these organisms, such as urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, chlamydia, anthrax, lyme disease and others.

Besides antibiotic activity, doxycycline also has some other mechanism of actions like interfering with the chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) into the inflammatory lesion, inhibition of PMN derived collagenase, scavenging reactive oxidative species produced by resident inflammatory cells etc. Therefore doxycycline is also being used as an anti-inflammatory to treat inflammatory conditions or symptoms, such as diseases like periodontitis, rosacea and acne. In these instances, it is used in an anti-inflammatory effective amount which, may be lower than traditionally prescribed when doxycycline is used for its antibiotic activity.

Doxycycline as an antibiotic is available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg oral doses, whereas as for treating periodontitis and rosacea, lower strengths of 20 mg & 40 mg oral doses are marketed as PERIOSTAT® and ORACEA® respectively. These doses can be given once or more per day as directed by a physician. ORACEA® is a 40 mg dose administered once in a 24 hour period. Sustained release formulations of doxycycline are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,084,287 and 5,188,836.

Oral administration of drugs is frequently affected by food-drug interactions, a phenomenon often described by the term “food effect”. Food effect generally refers to all type of interactions of food with drug which affect its dissolution, absorption, distribution, metabolism and/or elimination. The implications of food effect can, in some instances, include changes in bioavailability, rate of on-set of therapeutic action, duration of therapeutic effect and incidence of side effects.

The food effect is an important issue during the development of a drug. In some cases food-drug interactions lead to an increase of drug absorption and the drug formulation may be recommended to be taken with food in order to be sufficiently absorbed and exert its expected clinical effect. In some other case food interrupts the absorption of active agent and therefore it reduces C_(max) and AUC leading to poor therapeutic effect. In those cases, there may be warnings provided to the user to take the drug, for example, one hour before or two hours after eating.

The food effect on doxycycline pharmacokinetics is well known. Indeed, ORACEA® is reported to have 45% and 22% in C_(max) and AUC respectively (meaning that the C_(max) and AUC of ORACEA® when given in the fed verus fasted state differ by 45% and 22% respectively) and carries the exact dosing restriction noted above.

In addition to its known impact on the gastrointestinal microbiology of a patient, doxycycline is known to have possible adverse gastrological effects which are attributed to irritation of the mucosa. Such effects may include anorexia, nausea, diarrhoea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis. Further there is huge risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration in patients receiving capsule and tablet forms of the doxycycline, especially when patients immediately go to bed or lie down following dosing, or when the doses are taken without sufficient liquid. Therefore it is necessary the patients should be administered with adequate amounts of fluid or food and the patients are instructed to remain sitting or standing for up to 2 hours post administration to prevent the possible development of oesophageal irritation. Similar restrictions are known for other drug products, like bisphosphonates. These dosing restrictions can understandably cause inconvenience and discomfort to the patients which can impact compliance.

Thus, a need exists to provide a modified release dosage form of doxycycline with reduced or no significant food effect. Further it is desired to have a dosage form of doxycycline which are expected to reduce or prevent risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration in patients and further improves the compliance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a modified release composition of doxycycline.

In one embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition when subjected to a changeover         dissolution study releases no more than 30% in 30 minutes, in         750 ml of pH 1.2 acidic solution (0.1N HCl); and has at least         one of the following release profile in 950 ml of an pH 6.0         phosphate buffer solution:     -   a. less than about 30% in 35 minutes;     -   b. less than about 60% in 45 minutes; and     -   c. more than 85% in 60 minutes

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application comprising doxycycline, wherein said composition provides at least one of the following pharmacokinetic parameters:

-   -   a. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 50         ng/ml of doxycycline at 30 minutes;     -   b. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 100         ng/ml of doxycycline at 45 minutes; and     -   c. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 200         ng/ml of doxycycline at 60 minutes.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application provides peak plasma concentration from about 200 ng/ml to about 1000 ng/ml of doxycycline at 90 minutes.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application comprising doxycycline provides at least one of the following pharmacokinetic parameters:

-   -   a. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 15         ng/ml of doxycycline at 30 minutes;     -   b. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 60         ng/ml of doxycycline at 45 minutes; and     -   c. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 200         ng/ml of doxycycline at 60 minutes.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition for once daily oral administration comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline,     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients,         wherein said composition upon oral administration to a human         subjects in fasting state provides at least one of the         doxycycline plasma concentration parameters:     -   a. not more than about 15 ng/ml of doxycycline at 30 minutes;     -   b. not more than about 60 ng/ml of doxycycline at 45 minutes;         and     -   c. not more than about 200 ng/ml of doxycycline at 60 minutes.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition upon oral administration in fasting         state exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition and said bioequivalence is established         by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%,     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%, and     -   c. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean C_(max), which is between         80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline,     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients,         wherein said composition upon oral administration in a fed state         exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition administered in fasting state and said         bioequivalence is established by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%; and     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%.         In another aspect of this embodiment the composition is provided         as a once a day oral dosage form.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition provides at least one of the following         pharmacokinetic parameters:     -   a) a fed/fasted ratio for C_(max) in the range of about 0.60 to         about 1.00;     -   b) a fed/fasted ratio for AUC_(0-t) in the range of about 0.89         to about 1.00; and     -   c) a fed/fasted ratio for AUC_(0-inf) in the range of about 0.89         to about 1.00.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method of treating rosacea in a human subject in need thereof comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline,     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers, and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has reduced food effect.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline,     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients,         wherein said composition upon oral administration in a fed state         exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition administered in fasting state and said         bioequivalence is established by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%; and     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a modified release composition of doxycycline, wherein said composition has reduced food effect.

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a modified release composition of doxycycline, wherein said composition has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 40% in C_(max)

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a modified release composition of doxycycline, wherein said composition has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 35% in C_(max)

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a modified release composition of doxycycline, wherein said composition has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 15% in AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf)).

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a modified release composition of doxycycline, wherein said composition has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 12% in AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf)).

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering an once daily modified release composition comprising doxycycline, wherein said composition has reduced food effect and said food effect is lower than the food effect of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition by at least 15% in C_(max) and AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf)))

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition provides at least one of the following         pharmacokinetic parameters:     -   a) a fed/fasted ratio for C_(max) in the range of about 0.60 to         about 1.00;     -   b) a fed/fasted ratio for AUC_(0-t) in the range of about 0.89         to about 1.00; and     -   c) a fed/fasted ratio for AUC_(0-inf) in the range of about 0.89         to about 1.00.

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition upon oral administration in fasting         state exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition and said bioequivalence is established         by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%,     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%, and     -   c. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean C_(max), which is between         80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the method of treating rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition upon oral administration in fasting         state exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition and said bioequivalence is established         by:     -   d. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%,     -   e. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%, and     -   f. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean C_(max), which is between         80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         for a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application comprising

-   -   I. doxycycline     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60min), wherein said         composition provides at least one of the following         pharmacokinetic parameters:     -   a. average input rate of from about 4 ng/hr/ml to about 15         ng/hr/ml during the time period of T_(0min) to T_(30mins)     -   b. average input rate of from about 15 ng/hr/ml to about 40         ng/hr/ml during the time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application comprising

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60min), wherein said         composition provides at least one of the following         pharmacokinetic parameters:     -   a. average input rate of from about 5 ng/hr/ml to about 8         ng/hr/ml during the time period of T_(0min) to T_(30mins).     -   b. average input rate of from about 15 ng/hr/ml to about 20         ng/hr/ml during the time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60min), wherein said         composition has reduced food effect.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 40% in C_(max).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 35% in C_(max).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 15% in AUC_((0-t)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 12% in AUC_((0-t)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 15% in AUC_((0-inf)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect, and said food effect is less than about 12% in AUC_((0-inf)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60min); and wherein said         composition has reduced food effect and said food effect is         lower than the food effect of commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition by at least 15% in C_(max) and AUC         (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf))).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins); and         wherein said composition provides at least one of the following         pharmacokinetic parameters:     -   a) a fed/fasted ratio for C_(max) in the range of about 0.60 to         about 1.00;     -   b) a fed/fasted ratio for AUC_(0-t) in the range of about 0.89         to about 1.00; and     -   c) a fed/fasted ratio for AUC_(0-inf) in the range of about 0.89         to about 1.00.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than 80% of the         dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins); and         wherein said composition upon oral administration in fasting         state exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition and said bioequivalence is established         by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%,     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%, and     -   c. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean C_(max), which is between         80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application is orally administered once daily.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application is orally administered twice daily.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application is orally administered to human subjects in need thereof.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application comprises doxycycline, wherein said doxycyline is an acid addition salt of doxycycline. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the doxycycline is administered in an amount of between about 30 and less than 50 mg, based on the weight of doxycycline base, in yet another aspect, between about 35 and about 45 mg, and in yet a further aspect between about 35 and about 40 mg of doxycycline based on the equivalent weight of doxycycline base.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application comprises doxycycline, which is doxycycline hyclate.

In another embodiment, doxycycline hyclate is present in an amount of about 46 mg.

In another embodiment, doxycycline hyclate is present in an amount of 46.16 mg.

In another embodiment there is provided a method of treating inflammatory rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of either rosacea or acne vulgaris in a human patient in need thereof comprising: administering to said patient a total daily dose of about 35 mg to about 45 mg of a doxycycline hydrate or acid addition salt, based on the equivalent weight of doxycycline base, wherein the total daily dose of doxycycline is provided so as to result in a reduced food effect.

In another aspect of this method the total daily dose is administered once a day and provides a reduced food effect whereby both AUC and a C_(max) are lower than the food effect of commerically available 40 mg doxycycline compositions by at least about 15%.

In another aspect of the method, the total daily dose is administered once a day less than one hour before or less than two hours after a meal.

In another aspect of the method, the total daily dose exhibits a reduced food effect selected from the group consisting of an AUC of less than about 15% and a C_(max) of less than about 40% upon oral administration to a human in a fed state.

In another aspect of the method, upon oral administration in a fasting state the total daily dose exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition.

In another aspect of the method, bioequivalence is established by:

-   -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%,     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-∞)), which is         between 80% and 125%, and     -   c. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean C_(max), which is between         80% and 125%.

In another aspect of the method, the acid addition salt is doxycycline hyclate is present in an amount of about 46 mg.

In another aspect of the method, the doxycycline is a hydrate and the hydrate is the monohydrate.

In another aspect of the method, the inflammatory symptom of either rosacea or acne vulgaris is papules and pustules of either rosacea or acne vulgaris.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows in vitro release profile of Example 1, 2, 3 and ORACEA® in change over media (Acidic medium-pH1.2 and phosphate buffer-pH 6.0).

FIG. 2 shows in vitro release profile of Example 3 and ORACEA® in acetate buffer-pH 4.5.

FIG. 3 A. shows 12-hour Mean plasma doxycycline concentration—Time profile of Example 3 administered to 52 subjects in fasting state.

FIG. 3 B. shows 72-hour Mean plasma doxycycline concentration—Time profile of Example 3 administered to 52 subjects in fasting state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

“Doxycycline” herein refers to any form of doxycycline including hydrates such as doxycycline monohydrate, anhydrous doxycycline, doxycycline base or acid addition salts of doxycycline such as doxycycline hyclate or any other pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount of about 30 mg to less than 50 mg of doxycycline base or an equivalent amount of any other form of doxycycline.

In the present application, the amount of doxycycline used may be from about 30 mg to about 45 mg, or from about 35 mg to about 45 mg, or from about 35 mg to about 40 mg, or from about 40 mg to about 45 mg of doxycycline base or an equivalent amount of any other form of doxycycline. For example in the present application, the doxycycline hyclate in an amount of about 46 mg provides about 40 mg of doxycycline base similarly, where it is stated that an amount of or range of one or more forms of doxycycline is “based on the equivalent weight of doxycycline base” or variances thereof, it is meant that the amount of that form or forms of doxycycline will be sufficient to provide an equivalent amount of doxycycline base. Thus, for example, about 35 mg to about 45 mg of doxycycline monohydrate based on the equivalent weight of doxycycline base means enough doxycycline monohydrate so as to provide 35 to 45 mg of doxycycline base. Unless stated otherwise, these doses are the total daily dose. They can be given in a single dosage form or multiple dosage forms, preferably in a single dosage form given once a day.

The amount of doxycycline in certain embodiments thereof is an amount sufficient to provide peak plasma concentration of doxycycline from about 200 ng/ml to about 1000 ng/ml. The amount of doxycycline per unit dosage form used in certain embodiments hereof is an amount sufficient to provide an equivalent of about 30 mg to about 40 mg of doxycycline base per dose per day or that provides peak plasma concentration of doxycycline from about 200 ng/ml to about 1000 ng/ml.

Doxycycline as used herein also encompasses their complexes, polymorphs, hydrates, solvates, enantiomers or racemates. The solid state of doxycycline used in the composition of the present application is not critical. For example, doxycycline can be amorphous or crystalline.

The term “about”, as used herein, means within 10% of a given value or range. Alternatively, the term “about” means within an acceptable standard error of the mean as would be appropriate.

The term “food effect”, as used herein, refers to relative difference in AUC (area under the curve AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-∞)),) or C_(max) (maximum plasma concentration or peak plasma concentration) of an active substance, when said substance or a composition thereof, such as a tablet or a capsule, is administered orally to a subject, concomitantly with food or in a fed state as compared to the same values when the same substance or a composition thereof is administered in a fasted state.

The food effect F is calculated as

${F\mspace{14mu} \%} = {\frac{\left( {X_{fasted} - X_{fed}} \right)}{X_{fasted}} \times 100}$

-   -   wherein X_(fed) and X_(fasted) are the values of AUC         (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-∞))) or     -   C_(max) in the fed and fasted state, respectively.

The term “reduced food effect”, as used herein, refers to the food effect in AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-∞))) and C_(max) of a composition of doxycycline is less than about 15% and 40% respectively. In C_(max), “reduced food effect” refers to food effect in C_(max) of a composition of doxycycline and is at least less than about 40%. In AUC, “reduced food effect” refers to food effect in AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-∞))) of a composition of doxycycline and is at least less than about 15%. In another embodiment, the reduced food effect is less than about 35% in terms of C_(max) or less than about 12% in terms of AUC. In still another embodiment both AUC and C_(max) are lower than the food effect of commerically available 40 mg doxycycline compositions as defined herein by at least about 15%.

Indeed, because of the reduced food effect of the present invention particularly when compared to commercial products such as ORACEA®, it is possible to administer doxycycline to treat inflammatory conditions or symptoms of inflammatory conditions (for example, the papules and pustuals of acne vulgaris or rosacea) with a reduced food effect. In some embodiments this may be accomplished without need for normal administration warnings and/or without requiring the patient be in a fasted state. Because of this, the patient may take their doxycycline dose even less than an hour before a meal, or two hours after a meal or otherwise in the fed state.

The term “dC/dT” as used herein, refers to change in doxycycline concentration in plasma as a function of time or change in plasma concentration of doxycycline during the said time period or interval.

It is calculated as

${{dC}/{dT}} = \frac{\left( {{{Plasma}\mspace{14mu} {Concentration}_{T\; 2}} - {{Plasma}\mspace{14mu} {Concentration}_{T\; 1}}} \right)}{\left( {{{Time}\mspace{14mu} {point}_{2}} - {{Time}\mspace{14mu} {point}_{1}}} \right)}$

The term “modified release composition” herein refers to any composition or dosage form which comprises an active drug and which is formulated to provide a longer duration of pharmacological response after administration of the dosage form than is ordinarily experienced after administration of a corresponding immediate release composition comprising the same drug in the same amount. Modified release compositions include, inter alia, those compositions described elsewhere as “controlled release”, “extended release”, “delayed release”, “sustained release”, “prolonged release”, “programmed release”, “time release” and/or “rate controlled” compositions or dosage forms.

As used herein, the terms “composition” and “formulation” are used interchangeably and refer to a mixture of two or more compounds, elements, or molecules. Also the terms “composition” and “formulation” may be used to refer to a mixture of one or more active agents with a carrier or other excipients. Furthermore, the term “dosage form” can include one or more composition(s) or formulation(s) provided in a format for administration to a patient in need thereof.

The term “Changeover dissolution study” herein refers to a dissolution study performed by using USP apparatus I (Basket) with 50 rpm and the dissolution methodology includes two stages i.e., acid stage followed by buffer stage. Firstly in vitro dissolution was carried out in acid stage pH 1.2 (750 ml of 0.1N HCl solution, USP Type 1 apparatus at a speed of 50 rpm and 37° C.) till 30 minutes and after 30 minutes the study was continued in buffer stage (950 ml of phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.0), USP Type 1 apparatus at a speed of 50 rpm and 37° C.). As used herein, the term “commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition” refers to ORACEA® oral capsules containing doxycycline, USP in an amount equivalent to 40 mg of anhydrous doxycycline, marketed by Galderma Laboratories, L.P

Further Embodiments

The present application relates to a modified release composition doxycycline.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition when subjected to a changeover         dissolution study releases no more than 20% in 30 minutes, in         750 ml of pH 1.2 acidic solution (0.1N HCl); and have at least         one of the following release profile in 950 ml of an pH 6.0         phosphate buffer solution:     -   a. less than about 30% in 35 minutes;     -   b. less than about 60% in 45 minutes; and     -   c. more than 85% in 60 minutes.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition when subjected to a changeover         dissolution study releases no more than 10% in 30 minutes, in         750 ml of pH 1.2 acidic solution (0.1N HCl); and have at least         one of the following release profile in 950 ml of an pH 6.0         phosphate buffer solution:     -   a. less than about 30% in 35 minutes;     -   b. less than about 60% in 45 minutes; and     -   c. more than 85% in 60 minutes.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition when subjected to a changeover         dissolution study releases no more than 30% in 30 minutes, in         750 ml of pH 1.2 acidic solution (0.1N HCl); and have at least         one of the following release profile in 950 ml of an pH 6.0         phosphate buffer solution:     -   a. less than about 30% in 35 minutes;     -   b. less than about 60% in 45 minutes; and     -   c. more than 85% in 60 minutes.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition when subjected to a changeover         dissolution study releases no more than 30% in 30 minutes, in         750 ml of pH 1.2 acidic solution (0.1N HCl); and have at least         one of the following release profile in 950 ml of an pH 6.0         phosphate buffer solution:     -   d. less than about 30% in 35 minutes;     -   e. less than about 60% in 45 minutes;     -   f. more than 85% in 60 minutes;         and wherein said composition upon oral administration to a human         subjects in fasting state provides at least one of the following         pharmacokinetic parameters:     -   a. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 15         ng/ml of doxycycline at 30 minutes;     -   b. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 60         ng/ml of doxycycline at 45 minutes;     -   c. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 200         ng/ml of doxycycline at 60 minutes; and     -   d. doxycycline plasma concentration from about 200 ng/ml to         about 1000 ng/ml of doxycycline at above 90 minutes.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition when subjected to a changeover         dissolution study releases no more than 30% in 30 minutes, in         750 ml of pH 1.2 acidic solution (0.1N HCl); and have at least         one of the following release profile in 950 ml of an pH 6.0         phosphate buffer solution:     -   (a) less than about 30% in 35 minutes;     -   (b) less than about 60% in 45 minutes; and     -   (c) more than 85% in 60 minutes;         and wherein said composition upon oral administration in fasting         state exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition administered in fasting state and said         bioequivalence is established by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%,     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%, and     -   c. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean C_(max), which is between         80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising:

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition when subjected to a changeover         dissolution study releases no more than 30% in 30 minutes, in         750 ml of pH 1.2 acidic solution (0.1N HCl); and have at least         one of the following release profile in 950 ml of an pH 6.0         phosphate buffer solution:     -   a. less than about 30% in 35 minutes;     -   b. less than about 60% in 45 minutes; and     -   c. more than 85% in 60 minutes;         and wherein said composition upon oral administration in a fed         state exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition administered in fasting state and said         bioequivalence is established by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%; and     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of doxycycline as per present application is used for the treatment of rosacea in human subjects in need thereof.

In general the primary signs of rosacea are papules, pustules, flushing, persistent redness, visible blood vessels, bumps and pimples.

There are four subtypes of rosacea:

-   -   Subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea), characterized by         flushing and persistent redness, and may also include visible         blood vessels.     -   Subtype 2 (papulopustular rosacea), characterized by persistent         redness with transient bumps and pimples.     -   Subtype 3 (phymatous rosacea), characterized by skin thickening,         often resulting in an enlargement of the nose from excess         tissue, and     -   Subtype 4 (ocular rosacea), characterized by ocular         manifestations such as dry eye, tearing and burning, swollen         eyelids, recurrent styes and potential vision loss from corneal         damage.

In another embodiment, the modified composition of doxycycline as per present application is used for treating diseases or conditions in which collagenase is produced in excessive amounts causing pathological destruction of tissues, such as periodontal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes and acne.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method of treating rosacea in a human subject in need thereof comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline,     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers, and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has reduced food effect, and said food         effect is less than about 35% in C_(max); and         wherein said composition upon oral administration in a fed state         exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition administered in fasting state and said         bioequivalence is established by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%; and     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method of treating rosacea in a human subject in need thereof comprising:

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate,     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers, and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has reduced food effect, and said food         effect is less than about 35% in C_(max); and         wherein said composition upon oral administration in a fed state         exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition administered in fasting state and said         bioequivalence is established by:     -   c. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%; and     -   d. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect and said food effect is at least 15% lower compared to the food effect of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition in C_(max) and AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect and said food effect is at least 20% lower compared to the food effect of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition in C_(max) and AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline, has reduced food effect and said food effect is at least 30% lower compared to the food effect of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition in C_(max) and AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect in AUC and said food effect in AUC is at least 40% lower compared to the food effect in AUC of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition in AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf))).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline has reduced food effect in AUC and said food effect in AUC is at least 50% lower compared to the food effect in AUC of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition in AUC (AUC_((0-t)) and/or AUC_((0-inf))).

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method of treating rosacea in a human subject in need thereof comprising:

-   -   I. doxycycline;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has no food effect established by         following parameters:     -   (a) a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)) of the         composition administered under fed state to human subjects is         within 80.00% to 125.00% of a AUC_((0-t)) of the composition         administered to human subjects in a fasting state; and     -   (b) a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)) of the         composition administered under fed state to human subjects is         within 80.00% to 125.00% of a AUC_((0-inf)) of the composition         administered to human subjects in a fasting state.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method of treating rosacea in a human subject in need thereof comprising:

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate,     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers, and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has no food effect established by         following parameters:     -   (a) a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)) of the         composition administered under fed state to human subjects is         within 80.00% to 125.00% of a AUC_((0-t)) of the composition         administered to human subjects in a fasting state; and     -   (b) a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)) of the         composition administered under fed state to human subjects is         within 80.00% to 125.00% of a AUC_((0-inf)) of the composition         administered to human subjects in a fasting state.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method of treating rosacea in a human subject in need thereof comprising:

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate,     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers, and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has reduced food effect; and         wherein said composition upon oral administration in a fasting         state provides at least one of the following pharmacokinetic         parameters:     -   a. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 15         ng/ml of doxycycline at 30 minutes;     -   b. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 60         ng/ml of doxycycline at 45 minutes;     -   c. doxycycline plasma concentration of not more than about 200         ng/ml of doxycycline at 60 minutes; and     -   d. doxycycline plasma concentration from about 200 ng/ml to         about 1000 ng/ml of doxycycline at above 90 minutes.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method of treating or preventing rosacea in a patient known or suspected to be in need of such treatment or prevention comprising administering to the patient a modified release composition for once daily oral administration in a human subject in need thereof comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT is measured in a single         dose human pharmacokinetic study in fasting state and in a time         period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

The AUC data from a food-effect study involving administration of modified release composition comprising doxycycline of present application under fasting state and fed state (with a high-fat meal) provides exposure to the doxycycline and wherein the exposure of doxycycline is not affected by food. Therefore the modified release composition of present application can be taken without regard to meals.

The AUC data from a food-effect study involving administration of modified release composition comprising doxycycline of present application under fasting state and fed state (with meal) provides exposure to the doxycycline and wherein the exposure of doxycycline is not affected by food. Therefore the modified release composition of present application could be taken without regard to meals.

In another embodiment, administration of the modified release composition for once daily oral administration comprising doxycycline to human subjects in need thereof of present application may not require administration of adequate amounts of fluid along with the said composition to wash down the composition to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;     -   wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In some aspects, the modified release composition comprising about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate has dC/dT value less than about 70% of the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and in time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In some aspects, the modified release composition comprising about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate has dC/dT value less than about 60% of the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a single dose human pharmacokinetic study in fasting state and in a time period of T_(0min) to T^(60mins).

In some aspects, the modified release composition for once daily oral administration in a human subject in need thereof comprising about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate has dC/dT value less than 50% of the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a single dose human pharmacokinetic study in fasting state and in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In some aspects, the modified release composition comprising about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate has dC/dT value less than about 40% of the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a single dose human pharmacokinetic study in fasting state and in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins); and wherein said         composition has reduced food effect.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins); and wherein said         composition has reduced food effect, and said food effect is         less than about 35% in C_(max).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60min); and wherein said         composition has reduced food effect, and said food effect is         less than about 15% in AUC.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60min); and wherein said         composition has reduced food effect, and said food effect is         less than about 12% in AUC_((0-t)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60min); and wherein said         composition has reduced food effect, and said food effect is         less than about 12% in AUC_((0-inf)).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline, wherein said composition has reduced food effect and said food effect in C_(max) is lower than the food effect in C_(max) of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition by at least 15%.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline, wherein said composition has reduced food effect and said food effect in AUC is lower than the food effect in AUC of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition by at least 15%.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising doxycycline, wherein food effect of said composition is at least 15% lower compared to the food effect of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than 80% of the         dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and         in a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins);         and wherein said composition provides C_(max) from about 200         ng/ml to about 1000 ng/ml.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT value is measured in a         single dose human pharmacokinetic study in fasting state and in         a time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins); and     -   wherein said composition provides at least one of the following         pharmacokinetic parameters:     -   a. average input rate of from about 5 ng/hr/ml to about 8         ng/hr/ml during the time period of T_(0min) to T_(30mins)     -   b. average input rate of from about 15 ng/hr/ml to about 20         ng/hr/ml during the time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising (i) about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate, (ii) one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers and (iii) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein said composition when administered to a human subject under fasting state provides average input rate of about 5 ng/hr/ml to 8 ng/hr/ml during the time period of T_(0mins) to T^(30mins).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising (i) about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate, (ii) one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers and (iii) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein said composition when administered to a human subject under fasting state provides average input rate of about 15 ng/hr/ml to 20 ng/hr/ml during the time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins).

In another embodiment, the modified release composition comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT is measured in a single         dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and in a         time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins); and         wherein said composition upon oral administration in fasting         state exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition administered in fasting state and said         bioequivalence is established by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%,     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%, and     -   c. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean C_(max), which is between         80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition for once daily oral administration in a human subject in need thereof comprising

-   -   I. about 46 mg of doxycycline hyclate;     -   II. one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and     -   III. one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;         wherein said composition has dC/dT value less than about 80% of         the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition, and said dC/dT is measured in a single         dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and in a         time period of T_(0min) to T_(60mins); and         wherein said composition upon oral administration in a fed state         exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg         doxycycline composition administered in fasting state and said         bioequivalence is established by:     -   a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is         between 80% and 125%; and     -   b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-inf)), which is         between 80% and 125%.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application is orally administered once daily.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application is orally administered twice daily.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application is orally administered to human subjects in need thereof.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application comprises doxycycline, wherein said doxycyline is an acid addition salt of doxycycline. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the doxycycline is administered in an amount of between about 30 and less than 50 mg, based on the weight of doxycycline base, in yet another aspect, between about 35 and about 45 mg, and in yet a further aspect between about 35 and about 40 mg of doxycycline base on the weight of doxycycline base.

In another embodiment, the modified release composition of the present application comprises doxycycline, which is doxycycline hyclate.

In another embodiment, doxycycline hyclate is present in an amount of about 46 mg.

In another embodiment, doxycycline hyclate is present in an amount of 46.16 mg.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition comprising (i) doxycycline hyclate, (ii) one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers and (iii) other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition of doxycycline for once daily administration, wherein the said composition comprises of (i) one or more core consisting of doxycycline, (ii) a release layer containing one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers over the core and (iii) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition of doxycycline for once daily administration, wherein the said composition comprises of core consisting of about 15-20% w/w of doxycycline, about 10-18% w/w one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers and 1-20% of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, based on the total weight of the final composition.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition of doxycycline for once daily administration, wherein the said composition comprises of core consisting of about 15-20% w/w of doxycycline hyclate, about 10-18% w/w one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers and 1-20% of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, based on the total weight of the said composition.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition of doxycycline for once daily oral administration comprising one or more core comprising of about 15-20 w/w of doxycycline hyclate and the core is further coated by release layer consisting of from about 10-18% w/w one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers.

In one aspect the release layer release comprises a mixture of at least one water soluble polymer and at least one water insoluble polymer.

In another aspect, the release layer comprises of from about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w of water insoluble polymer and from about 2% w/w to 20% w/w of water soluble polymer, based on total weight of the said composition.

In another aspect, the release layer comprises of from about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w of water insoluble polymer and from about 5% w/w to 15% w/w of water soluble polymer, based on total weight of the said composition.

In another aspect, the release layer release comprises a mixture of at least one water soluble polymer and at least one water insoluble polymer and wherein the release layer has a thickness of not more than 500 μm.

In an aspect, the water insoluble polymer can be selected from the group of pH-dependent polymer, hydrophobic polymer, hydrophobic swellable polymer, hydrophobic non-swellable polymers or mixtures thereof.

Examples of water insoluble polymer includes but not limited to poly methacrylic acid derivatives, cellulose derivatives, acrylic acid derivatives, maleic acid copolymers, polyvinyl derivatives, Cellulose based pH dependent release retardant polymers include hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, hydroxymethylethylcellulose phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate succinate, cellulose acetate maleate, cellulose acetate trimelliate cellulose benzoate phthalate, cellulose propionate phthalate, methylcellulose phthalate, carboxymethylethylcellulose phthalate, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose phthalate and the like, acrylic copolymer based pH dependent release retardant include styrene, acrylic acid copolymer, methyl acrylate, acrylic acid copolymer, methyl acrylate, methacrylic acid copolymer, butyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate copolymer (e.g. Trade-names: Eudragit L 100 and Eudragit S, available from Rohm Phafma), ethyl acrylate copolymer (e.g. Trade-name: Eudragit L 100-55, available from Rohm Pharma), octyl acrylate copolymer, Maleic copolymer based pH dependent release retardant include vinylacetate, maleic acid anhydride copolymer, styrene, maleic acid anhydride copolymer, styrene, maleic acid monoester copolymer, vinylmethylether, maleic acid anhydride copolymer, ethylene, maleic acid anhydride copolymer, vinylbutylether, maleic acid anhydride copolymer, acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, maleic acid anhydride copolymer, butyl acrylate, styrene, maleic acid anhydride copolymer and the like, Polyvinyl derivative based pH dependent release retardant includes polyvinyl alcohol phthalate, polyvinylacetal phthalate, polyvinyl butylate phthalate, polyvinylacetoacetal phthalate and the like. Among these examples, methacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer and methacrylic acid, ethylacrylate copolymer are are available under the brand name Eudragit®.

In another aspect, the water soluble polymer can be selected from the group of hydrophillic polymer, hydrophillic swellable polymers, or hydrophillic non-swellable polymer or mixtures thereof.

Examples of water soluble polymers include, but not limited to, alkylcelluloses such as methylcellulose; hydroxyalkylcelluloses, for example, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and hydroxybutylcellulose; carboxyalkylcelluloses such as carboxymethylcellulose; alKali metal salts of carboxyalkylcelluloses such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose; carboxyalkyl alkylcelluloses such, carboxyalkylcellulose esters; other natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic polysaccharides such as alginic acid, alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, carrageenans, galactomannans, tragacanth, agar-agar, gum arabic, guar gum, xanthan gum, starches, pectins, such as sodium carboxymethyl amylopectin, chitin derivates such as chitosan, polyfructans, inulin, sugars, lactose, sucrose, fructose, mannitol, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides such as polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide and copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and other materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment, the core comprises doxycycline and additionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

In some aspects, the inert core comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient selected from the group consisting of: water soluble, water insoluble, water swellable or water non swellable material. For example, the core may comprise one or more of non-pareil seeds, pellets, beads, granules, mini-tablets or a micro-tablet or a microcapsule, or a millisphere, or a nanocapsule, or a nanosphere, or a microsphere. The non-pareil seeds may be made up of any pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as starch, sugar, microcrystalline cellulose, inorganic salts like crystal sodium chloride, vegetable gums, waxes, and the like. The core may be readily available granulated products such as the spherical granulation product of crystalline cellulose (trade name: AVICEL® SP), the spherical granulation product of crystalline cellulose and lactose (trade name: NONPAREIL® NP-5 and NP-7), the spherical granulation product of refined sucrose (trade name: NONPAREIL®-103), and the spherical granulation product of lactose and alpha-converted starch. The core may also be prepared with the techniques known to a person skilled in the art, such as direct compression, wet granulation, dry granulation, or extrusion-spheronization and the like.

In another embodiment, the active ingredient layer comprises doxycycline, one or more hydrophilic polymer, or other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In certain embodiment, there may be one or more layers of active ingredients layer comprising doxycycline. The core may consist of alternate layers of active ingredient and release layer coat.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition for once daily oral administration that can be provided as granules or pellets filled in capsule or sachets or the said composition can be compressed to form a tablet.

In another embodiment, the oral once daily composition of doxycycline as per present application can be provided as granules or pellets which can be sprinkled on food.

In some aspects, in the pharmaceutical compositions described herein having one or more excipients can perform more than one function. All excipients can be used at levels well known to the persons skilled in the art and within the acceptable limits.

In another embodiment, the modified compositions of doxycycline as described herein may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients selected from diluent, disintegrant, binder, lubricant, glidant, plasticizer, anti-tacking agent, opacifying agent, and the like.

Suitable diluents may include one or more of microcrystalline cellulose, starch, dibasic calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, dextrose, kaolin, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide; sugars such as lactose or sucrose; sugar alcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol or erythritol; or mixtures thereof.

Suitable anti-tacking agents, lubricants or glidants may include one or more of talc, metallic stearates such as magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate; colloidal silicon dioxide, finely divided silicon dioxide, stearic acid, hydrogenated vegetable oil, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl behenate, polyethylene glycols, powdered cellulose, starch, sodium stearyl fumarate, sodium benzoate, mineral oil, magnesium trisilicate, Kaolin; or mixtures thereof. The anti-tacking agent, lubricant or glidant may be used interchangeably.

In one aspect, the compositions of the present application comprising doxycycline, wherein said composition is dispensed in HPMC capsules.

In another aspect, the compositions of the present application comprising doxycycline, can be dispensed in capsules containing not more than 2% w/w of gelatin.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a modified release composition for once daily oral administration to a human in need thereof comprising doxycycline dispensed in HPMC capsules that yields no more than 1% of hydrolytic impurity such as 4-epidoxycycline, when tested in 45° C. and 75% relative humidity for 24 hrs.

In another embodiment, the present application relates to a process of preparing a modified release composition for once daily oral administration to a human in need thereof comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) preparing doxycline solution comprising of doxycycline, one         or more hydrophilic polymer, or other pharmaceutically         acceptable excipients,     -   b) layering the doxycycline solution of step a) over the inert         cores,     -   c) coating the cores of step b) with one or more water soluble         and insoluble polymers,     -   d) lubricating the coated cores of step c) and     -   e) filling of cores of step d) in capsules or in sachets or         compressing into tablets.

All the layers, i.e. drug layer or the polymer layers, may be applied as solution/dispersion of coating ingredients using any conventional technique known in the art such as spray coating in a conventional coating pan or fluidized bed processor or dip coating.

The present application is further illustrated by the examples which are provided merely to be exemplary of the composition described above and do not limit the scope of the application. Certain modifications and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be included within the scope of the present application.

EXAMPLES

Examples 1 to Examples 3 illustrates the preparation of doxycycline hyclate modified release dosage form, equivalent to 40 mg of doxycycline base.

Example 1

TABLE 1 Quantity per Unit (%) Ingredients Examples 1 Examples 2 Examples 3 Drug Loading Doxycycline Hyclate 16.8 16.8 17.2 Hydroxypropylmethyl- 6.5 6.5 6.7 cellulose Sugar Spheres 54.6 54.6 55.9 Polyethylene Glycol 400 1.9 1.9 2 Talc 1.9 1.9 2 Purified Water q.s q.s q.s  Modified Release Coating Methacrcylic acid Copolymer 10.0 8.19 8.8 (Type C) Hypromellose 3 Cps 5 4.0 4.4 (Methocel E3LV) Talc 3 0.3. 2.7. Acetone q.s. q.s. q.s Water q.s. q.s. q.s. Lubrication Water q.s. 0.28 0.3 Total Weight 100 100 100 Encapsulation Capsule shell size ‘1’ (No.) 1 1 1

Procedure for manufacturing of doxycycline hyclate modified release dosageform

A) Preparation of Drug solution

-   -   Doxycline solution was prepared comprising of doxycycline, one         or more hydrophilic polymer, or other pharmaceutically         acceptable excipients at a temperature above 18° C. and below         18° C.     -   Note: It was found that doxycycline solution if prepared above         18° C. leads to formation of hydrolytic impurity which does not         meet pharmacopoeial acceptable limits.     -   Table 2 shows the impurity levels of formulation prepared in         different conditions.

TABLE 2 Parameter 4-epidoxycycline (%) Room Cool condition Time temperature (14° C. ± 4° C.) Initial 0.08 0.03 24 hours 0.19 0.03

B) Drug layering:

-   -   Drug solution as prepared in step A was layered onto sugar         spheres.

C) Release layer

-   -   Mixture of methacrylic acid copolymer and hypromellose were         prepared in given solvents to form a mixture, and to this talc         was added and mixed well. This mixture is sprayed onto drug         coated pellets of Step B.

D) Lubrication & filling

-   -   The pellets of step C were lubricated with talc in blender and         filled in HPMC capsule “size 1”.

Example 4

The in vitro release study for the examples 1, 2 and 3 were carried out in changeover media. It was performed by using USP apparatus I (Basket) with 50 RPM and the dissolution methodology includes change over mediums i.e., acid stage followed by buffer stage. Table 3 shows dissolution profile of example 1, 2, 3 and ORACEA®.

First the in vitro dissolution was carried out in acid stage (750 ml of 0.1N HCl solution, USP Type 1 apparatus at a speed of 50 rpm and 37° C.) till 30 minutes. After 30 minutes of in vitro dissolution of the same composition which is used in acid stage was carried out in buffer stage (950 ml of phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.0), USP Type 1 apparatus at a speed of 50 rpm and 37° C.).

FIG. 1 shows the in vitro release profile of composition of examples 1, 2 & 3 carried out in change over media in comparison with ORACEA®.

TABLE 3 Dissolution profile of examples 1, 2 & 3 (changeover media) Time point % Drug release (Minutes) Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 ORACEA ® Acid Stage 30 1 2 3 74 Acid + Buffer stage 30 1 2 3 74 35 3 7 6 74 45 41 56 48 76 60 93 93 98 93

Example 5

The in vitro release study for the example 3 was carried out in 950 ml of 0.1N HCl media. It was performed by using USP apparatus I (Basket) with 50 rpm. The dissolution data is given in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Dissolution Data of example 5 (0.1N HCl Media) Time point % Drug release 15 mins 1 30 mins 4 45 mins 20 60 mins 49

Example 6

The in vitro release study for the example 3 was carried out in 950 ml of acetate buffer solution (pH 4.5), USP Type 1 apparatus at a speed of 50 rpm and 37° C. The dissolution data is given in Table 5.

FIG. 2 shows the in vitro release profile of composition of example 3 carried out in acetate buffer solution (pH 4.5) in comparison with ORACEA®.

TABLE 5 Dissolution Data of example 6 [acetate buffer solution (pH 4.5)] % drug release Time point Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 ORACEA ®  5 mins 0 1 1 19 15 mins 0 1 1 42 30 mins 2 3 4 58 45 mins 21 42 35 65 60 mins 72 89 78 68

Example 7

A single center, open-labeled, balanced, randomized, 3-treatment, 3-period, 6-sequence, single-dose, crossover, comparative oral bioavailability study was conducted in 52 healthy adult volunteers.

The treatments administered in the study were composition of example 3 under the fasting condition (Treatment A), composition of example 3 under the fed condition (Treatment B) and ORACEA under the fasting condition (Treatment C). [ORACEA® (Doxycycline, USP) Capsules 40 mg, capsules of Galderma Laboratories, L.P., USA, Batch No. 1300342A, Expiry date: January 2016]

The subjects were fasted overnight for at least 10 hours before receiving a single dose of either composition of example 3 or ORACEA for Treatment A and C.

In Treatment B, the subjects were fasted overnight for at least 10 hours before receiving an FDA-standardized high-fat, high-calorie breakfast (800-1000 kcal) (FDA Guidance 2002), followed by administration of a single dose of composition of example 3.

A washout period of 7 days was maintained between the dosing of investigational products in consecutive study periods. Blood samples were collected to determine the plasma concentrations of doxycycline before dosing (pre-dose) and at 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.33, 1.67, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hours after dosing.

The concentrations of doxycycline in plasma were determined by using a validated LC/MS-MS method.

The pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters C_(max), AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-inf), % Residual area, T_(lag), T_(max), t_(1/2) and K_(el) were calculated using a non-compartmental analysis (NCA) model.

The primary PK parameters, C_(max), AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-inf) were tested statistically for the effects of period, treatment, sequence and subject nested within sequence using the mixed-effect analysis of variance (ANOVA) method.

The geometric least squares means of C_(max), AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-inf) derived from the ANOVA were compared for bioequivalence under the fasting state and the food-effect and presented in terms of 90% confidence intervals of the test product (composition of example 3) to the comparator product (ORACEA) ratios.

The comparisons of interest were Treatment A vs. C for the bioequivalence assessment under fasting condition and Treatment B vs A for the food-effect and Treatment B vs. C.

At the end of the study following parameters are evaluated:

-   -   a. Plasma concentration profile of Doxycyline v. time     -   b. Bioequivalence study v. ORACEA® capsules     -   c. Food effect study and     -   d. dC/dT evaluation

a. Plasma Concentration Profile of Doxycyline v. Time

The plasma concentration of Doxycyline from Example 3 v. time was plotted for 12 hrs and 72 hrs respectively. FIG. 3 A. shows 12-hour mean plasma doxycycline concentration-time profile and FIG. 3 B. shows 72-hour mean plasma doxycycline concentration-time profile of example 3 administered to 52 subjects in fasting state.

The plasma concentration of example 3 vis-à-vis ORACEA® for initial time point upto 60 minutes is shown Table 6.

TABLE 6 Time points Plasma concentration (ng/ml/hr) (mins) Example 3 ORACEA ® 0 0 0 30 6.57 219 45 49.75 344 60 117.03 378

b. Bioequivalence Study v. ORACEA® Capsules

It was observed that the example 3 and ORACEA® 40 mg capsules met the bioequivalence criteria as of 90% confidence intervals of C_(max) and AUC parameters were within the acceptance range of 80.00% to 125.00%, in fasting conditions.

TABLE 7 Bioequivalence study Treatment A Treatment B Treatment C PK Example 3 Example 3 ORACEA ® 40 mg- Parameters (Fasting) (Fed) Fasting C_(max) 473.65 ± 178.79 325.32 ± 75.66  466.40 ± 156.90 AUC_(0-t) 6109.48 ± 1703.82 5443.45 ± 1209.17 6239.96 ± 1538.03 AUC_(0-inf) 6448.19 ± 1768.20 5780.34 ± 1269.96 6561.49 ± 1602.90 Tlag^(a) (hr)  0.495 2.00 0.00 (0.00-0.999) (0.501-3.50)  (0.00-0.00) Tmax^(a) (hr) 2.99 5.49 1.99 (0.745-4.00)   (2.49-7.00) (0.744-4.11) T_(1/2 el) (hr) 16.48 ± 3.40  16.50 ± 3.26  16.28 ± 3.87  ^(a) Median (Min − Max)

c. Food Effect Study

The composition of example 3 was evaluated for its food effect vis-à-vis ORACEA®. The composition of example 3 exhibited a food effect of about 31% in C_(max) and further showed reduction of about 31% in food effect when compared to food effect of ORACEA®. The results are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Food effect The following table lists the food effect values of composition of Example 3 and ORACEA ® Reduction of Food Food Effect Effect of Example 3 ORACEA ® compared to Food PK Example 3 Example 3 Disclosed Effect of Parameters (Fastng) (Fed) Example 3 in label ORACEA ® (%) Cmax 473.65 325.23 31.31% 45% 30.42% AUC_(0-t) 6109.48 5443.45 10.90% 22% 50.45% AUC_(0-inf) 6448.19 5780.34 10.35% 21% 50.71%

d. dC/dT Evaluation

The rate of change of doxycycline plasma concentration during the time period of T_(0mins)-T_(60mins) was tabulated in Table 9. The rate of change of doxycycline plasma concentration during the time period of T_(0min)-T_(60mins) of example 3 was less than 80% of rate of change of doxycycline plasma concentration during the time period of T_(0min)-T_(60mins) of ORACEA®. The rate of change of doxycycline plasma concentration during 0-1 hrs of example was 117.03 ng/ml/hr and ORACEA® was 378 ng/ml/hr.

-   -   Calculation of dC/dT for example 3:     -   Plasma Concentration_(T2): 117.303 ng/ml     -   Plasma Concentration_(T1): 0 ng/ml         -   Time point₂: 1 hr             -   Time point₁: 0 hr

${{dC}/{dT}} = \frac{\left( {{{Plasma}\mspace{14mu} {Concentration}_{T\; 2}} - {{Plasma}\mspace{14mu} {Concentration}_{T\; 1}}} \right)}{\left( {{{Time}\mspace{14mu} {point}_{2}} - {{Time}\mspace{14mu} {point}_{1}}} \right)}$ ${{dC}/{dT}} = \frac{\left( {117.03 - 0} \right)}{\left( {1 - 0} \right)}$ dC/dT = 117.303  ng/ml/hr

-   -   Calculation of dC/dT for ORACEA®:     -   Plasma Concentration_(T2): 378 ng/ml     -   Plasma Concentration_(T1): 0 ng/ml         -   Time point₂: 1 hr             -   Time point₁: 0 hr

${{dC}/{dT}} = \frac{\left( {{{Plasma}\mspace{14mu} {Concentration}_{T\; 2}} - {{Plasma}\mspace{14mu} {Concentration}_{T\; 1}}} \right)}{\left( {{{Time}\mspace{14mu} {point}_{2}} - {{Time}\mspace{14mu} {point}_{1}}} \right)}$ ${{dC}/{dT}} = \frac{\left( {378 - 0} \right)}{\left( {1 - 0} \right)}$ dC/dT = 378  ng/ml/hr

TABLE 9 dC/dT values: Change in Doxycline concentration as a function of time Time (Hrs.) Example 3 ORACEA ® 0.0 to 1 117.03 ng/ml/hr 378 ng/ml/hr

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A method of treating inflammatory rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of either rosacea or acne vulgaris comprising administering to a human patient in need thereof a modified release oral composition comprising: (i) about 30 to less than about 50 mg of doxycycline, based on the equivalent weight of doxycycline base, wherein the doxycycline is in an amount of about 15-20% w/w; (ii) about 10-18% w/w one or more water soluble and insoluble polymers; and (iii) about 1-20% w/w one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition is free of any immediate release component; and wherein the composition has a dC/dT value of less than about 80% of the dC/dT value provided by the commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition, measured in a single dose human pharmacokinetic study in a fasting state and in a time period of T_(0min) to T₆₀ mins.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the doxycycline is an acid addition salt of doxycycline.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the acid addition salt of doxycycline is doxycycline hyclate.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the doxycycline hyclate is present in an amount of about 46 mg.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition exhibits a reduced food effect selected from the group consisting of an AUC of less than about 15% and a C_(max) of less than about 40% upon oral administration to a human.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition provides a reduced food effect whereby both AUC and a C_(max) are lower than the food effect of commercially available 40 mg doxycycline compositions by at least about 15%.
 7. The method of claim 1, where the composition upon oral administration in a fasting state exhibits bioequivalence to a commercially available 40 mg doxycycline composition and wherein the bioequivalence is established by: a. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-t)), which is between 80% and 125%, b. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean AUC_((0-∞)), which is between 80% and 125%, and c. a 90% Confidence Interval for mean C_(max), which is between 80% and 125%.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the doxycycline is present in an amount of about 30 to about 45 mg, based on the equivalent weight of doxycycline base.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the doxycycline is present in an amount of about 35 to about 45 mg, based on the equivalent weight of doxycycline base.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflammatory symptom of either rosacea or acne vulgaris is papules and pustules of either rosacea or acne vulgaris.
 11. The method of claim 1, for the treatment of inflammatory rosacea or an inflammatory symptom of rosacea. 